Fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner will focus on the African Diaspora in her curation of the sixteenth installment of MoMA’s Artist’s Choice Exhibition Photo: Walterlan Mendanha, via Wikimedia

Acclaimed London-based Fashion Designer Grace Wales Bonner will curate the sixteenth installment of MoMA’s Artist’s Choice Exhibition.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Grace Wales Bonner, the highly acclaimed fashion designer, will curate the sixteenth installment of the Artist’s Choice exhibition series at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. This prestigious opportunity will showcase approximately fifty carefully selected works from MoMA’s extensive collection. The exhibition, Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner—Spirit Movers, will be on display in the museum’s street-level galleries from November 18, 2023, to April 7, 2024.

Grace Wales Bonner has dedicated extensive research to MoMA’s vast collection to curate a thought-provoking exhibition under the theme of Spirit Movers. This theme aims to evoke multiple histories, inspire contemplation, and establish new connections between individuals and places. By centering on Black cultural and aesthetic practices inspired by the African diaspora, the exhibition will pay homage to the rich heritage of this influential artistic movement.

The exhibition will feature works by both established and emerging artists, showcasing a diverse range of talent. Among the artists included in Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner—Spirit Movers are Terry Adkins, Moustapha Dimé, David Hammons, Agnes Martin, Man Ray, and Betye Saar. This impressive lineup represents a broad spectrum of artistic styles and influences, highlighting the depth and significance of the African diaspora’s contributions to the art world.

Collaborative Efforts and Curators

To ensure the success of the exhibition, Grace Wales Bonner will collaborate closely with Marlene Hess Curator Michelle Kuo and curatorial assistant Dana Liljegren. Together, they will work as a team to co-organize the show, making informed decisions about the selection, placement, and presentation of the chosen artworks. Their combined expertise and dedication will guarantee a comprehensive and impactful exhibition experience.

Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner—Spirit Movers will not only exhibit visual artworks but will also integrate seminal texts by Black authors from the past century. By juxtaposing these texts with the artworks, the exhibition will create an engaging dialogue between visual and literary expressions. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the intersections between art, culture, and literature, providing a deeper understanding of the context and inspiration behind the exhibited works. The authors whose texts will feature in the show include Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, June Jordan, Robin Coste Lewis, Ishmael Reed, Greg Tate, Jean Toomer, Quincy Troupe, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.

Grace Wales Bonner’s Influence and Accomplishments

Grace Wales Bonner is a highly regarded fashion industry figure renowned for her unique perspective and creative vision. Beyond fashion, she has made significant contributions to curation, filmmaking, and publishing. As the founder and artistic director of her eponymous fashion label, Wales Bonner has redefined the concept of cultural luxury by blending European heritage with an Afro-Atlantic spirit. Her exceptional talent was acknowledged when she was named CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021 and won the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2015.

Wales Bonner’s passion for curating led her to curate her first institutional exhibition, A Time for New Dreams, in 2019 at London’s Serpentine Gallery. This experience showcased her ability to create captivating exhibitions that transcend conventional boundaries. Additionally, as the lead researcher at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, she spearheads the four-year project “Between Critique and Hope.” This groundbreaking initiative seeks to establish an alternative archival practice based on the polyrhythmicality of Afro-Atlantic musical and artistic forms.

Inspiring New Dreams

Grace Wales Bonner expressed her gratitude and excitement about curating MoMA’s Artist’s Choice exhibition, stating, “It is an immense honor to engage with the artists and works in MoMA’s collection, and I wish to extend my deepest thanks to the museum for allowing me the space to create so freely.” She hopes that the exhibition and its associated publication will resonate with the spirit of the contributing artists, inspiring new dreams and visions for all who experience them.

Artist’s Choice: Grace Wales Bonner—Spirit Movers promises to be an exceptional exhibition that celebrates the profound impact of Black cultural and aesthetic practices on the art world. Through carefully selected artworks and the integration of powerful literary texts, visitors will embark on a journey that explores the depth and significance of the African diaspora’s artistic contributions. Grace Wales Bonner’s remarkable achievements as a fashion designer, curator, and researcher make her the ideal choice to curate this exhibition. Her unique vision will undoubtedly create a transformative experience for all who visit MoMA during the exhibition’s run.